Tomato-French Bread Lasagna
For a big hearty meal, I make this recipe as a side dish to go with veal cutlets or a roast. But you could also serve the beefy lasagna as a main dish. Just pair it with a tossed green salad and loaf of garlic bread.
For a big hearty meal, I make this recipe as a side dish to go with veal cutlets or a roast. But you could also serve the beefy lasagna as a main dish. Just pair it with a tossed green salad and loaf of garlic bread.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- 14 slices french bread (1/2 inch thick)
- 4 large tomatoes sliced 1/2 inch thick
- Carbohydrate 6.5429694214973 g
- Cholesterol 55.6272186777678 mg
- Fat 14.7026569777777 g
- Fiber 1.28505368874589 g
- Protein 15.5678579746811 g
- Saturated Fat 7.44621029877189 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (159g)
- Sodium 254.304299796458 mg
- Sugar 5.25791573275141 g
- Trans Fat 1.49267320008697 g
- Calories 221 calories
Step-by-step
- In a skillet, cook beef, onion, celery and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink; drain and set aside.
- Toast bread; line the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish with 10 slices.
- Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the tomatoes.
- Combine seasonings; sprinkle half over tomatoes.
- Drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil.
- Crumble remaining bread over top.
- Repeat layers of meat, tomatoes, seasonings and oil.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter; stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually stir in milk; bring to a boil.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat; stir in Parmesan.
- Pour over casserole.
- Top with mozzarella.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
My Favorite Comfort Food: Tomato-French Bread Lasagna
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. Between school runs, work deadlines, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But, let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the house, especially when that meal is my absolute favorite – Tomato-French Bread Lasagna. It's the perfect blend of hearty and comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
This lasagna is not your grandmother's classic recipe; it's a delicious twist on a timeless favorite. Instead of the usual pasta sheets, I use slices of crusty French bread. This not only adds a delightful textural element but also cuts down on prep time. The bread soaks up the rich, flavorful tomato sauce and the melted mozzarella cheese, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheese sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying. It’s also surprisingly versatile. I’ve served it as a hearty main course with a simple side salad, but it also makes a fantastic side dish to complement roasted meats or poultry.
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is its adaptability. I often adjust the ingredients based on what's available in my pantry or what my family is craving. Sometimes, I add spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra nutrients and flavor. Other times, I’ll use different cheeses, experimenting with provolone or even a sharp cheddar. The beauty of cooking is in its flexibility; you can always personalize the recipe to suit your taste. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug, a welcome respite from the chaos of daily life.
The process of making this lasagna is truly therapeutic for me. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the satisfying sizzle of the ground beef in the pan, the gentle stirring of the cheese sauce – these simple actions are a form of mindful cooking, a way for me to disconnect from the day's stresses and reconnect with myself. The final product isn’t just a meal; it's a tangible representation of my effort, love, and care for my family.
This Tomato-French Bread Lasagna isn’t just a recipe; it’s a comforting tradition, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a dish that speaks to the heart, reminding me that even amidst the whirlwind of everyday life, there's always time to create something special, something delicious, something truly home-cooked and comforting.
So, next time you’re looking for a satisfying, easy-to-make, and incredibly flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends, give this Tomato-French Bread Lasagna a try. You won't be disappointed.
